In a world where modern technology can render certain jobs-such as switchboard operator-obsolete, some economic scholars have looked at ways to ensure that such workers are not left behind. One idea that has enjoyed increasing popularity, and has also generated controversy, is the idea of a universal basic income. A universal basic income is a guaranteed base dividend, paid to every eligible citizen, regardless of whether or not they hold a job.
The idea of a universal basic income dates back at least until the eighteenth century. In 1796, British reformist Thomas Spence called for all profits from lands and rent to be redistributed among "all the living souls in the parish," calling such redistribution "the imprescriptible right of every human being in civilized society." At the same time in the United States, activist Thomas Paine called for landowners to be taxed as a way of providing funds for those with no land. Both ideas share some similarity with modem ideas of social welfare programs. In the early
twentieth century, British reformers like Clifford Douglas and Dennis Milner renewed calls for a basic income.
Supporters of a universal basic income argue that it could alleviate many of the problems of the poorest citizens, and in so doing, benefit all citizens. For example, studies have shown that low-income citizens are, by necessity, more likely to spend any money they receive on goods and services, such as food, clothing, or rent. This type of spending contributes directly to economic growth. Wealthier citizens, by contrast, spend a comparatively smaller amount of their money on goods and services. Advocates also point to the simplicity of a universal basic income, noting that it is more efficient and transparent than the patchwork of means tested social welfare programs that currently exist in many countries. In addition, a guaranteed basic income would eliminate the stigmatization of those receiving welfare benefits and services.
Critics of a universal basic income argue against the notion from several different angles. Some argue that such an income would cause citizens to become "lazy," though studies of pilot programs have not supported this idea. Critics also argue that giving out free money to poor people would simply allow them to waste it on things like alcohol or drugs-again, without supporting evidence from pilot program studies. In addition, if a single country were to approve a basic universal income, it might become flooded with immigrants hoping to take advantage of the new system. From an economic perspective, some critics have expressed concern that giving away free money would simply increase inflation, so that the price of goods would rise to absorb the additional money being supplied to citizens. In the United States, the idea of a basic income has been characterized as "anti-capitalist" and an affront to the strong work ethic that defines the nation.
Although the efficacy of a universal basic income remains open to debate, the debate itself is gaining more attention around the world. In the United States, where wealth inequality is at its highest level since the 1920s, some lawmakers have voiced their support for the idea despite its controversial nature. Some high-profile technology executives have predicted that the issue will become more urgent as automation technology takes the place of more and more human workers. In 2017, Finland began a two-year trial program where it gave 2,000 unemployed people a basic income. When the results from Finland are finally published in 2019, perhaps the critics will discover that a universal basic income is not something to fear, but something to embrace.
Which answer option is an opinion?
(A) The idea of a universal basic income dates back until at least the eighteenth century.
(B) Studies have shown that low-income citizens are, by necessity, more likely to spend any money they receive on goods and services, such as food, clothing, or rent.
(C) In the United States, where wealth inequality is at its highest level since the 1920s, some lawmakers have woiced their support for the idea despite its controversial nature.
(D) When the results from Finland are finally published in 2019, perhaps the critics will discover that a universal basic income is not something to fear, but something to embrace.